Reports: Emmanuel Mudiay signs 1-year, $1.2 million deal in China

By Matt Norlander | College Basketball Writer

July 22, 2014 10:53 AM ET

Emmanuel Mudiay has gone from hopeful college freshman to well-compensated overseas rookie. (USATSI)

Emmanuel Mudiay is on his way to making some money. Big money. More than a million dollars over the course of less than a year's time. Perhaps the path that took him away from college basketball might make his life better in the long term.

It seems like it should in the short run.

Multiple reports have thee former SMU five-star point guard prospect agreeing to a one-year deal with the China Basketball Association.

Guangdong Southern Tigers (CBA) signed 18-year old DR Congolese guard Emmanuel Mudiay (196-86kg-96). ... He is the youngest import player ever signing pro contract in Chinese league. ... He was selected to play in prestiguous events for high school players this year: HS McDonald's All-American Game, Nike Hoop Summit (World Team Selection) and Jordan Brand Classic National Game.

Mudiay is 6-foot-5 and could have been one of the best players in college hoops. But that won't happen. If you missed it last week, our own Gary Parrish laid out the details -- the real reasons -- why Mudiay's college career was doomed long ago, even if most never realized it at first.

The question now is: Will Mudiay develop and grow his game playing one year in China as opposed to the tutelage he would've received under Larry Brown at SMU?

The money is huge, nonetheless. Per Yahoo Sports, Mudiay is now set to become a millionaire.

It's rare any 18-year-old basketball prospect could be offered so much money, especially with a foreign contract. But Mudiay has already become a symbolic figure for both the good and bad of losing out with the NCAA.